Conservationists say a recent chemical spill near Alice Springs highlights the need for better environmental controls in the outback.

Last week Stat Oil, who have an mining exploration licence in Central Australia, confirmed its contractors were involved in two spills on the Plenty Highway, but said they were both minor and did not pose any serious threat to the environment.

Almost a week later, an NT Worksafe investigation has confirmed the chemical was Nalco EC9356A, a harmful and corrosive agent used in the oil and gas industry.

Moscow's words and actions — including the alleged poisoning of a former spy — are not the results of random aggression but rather fall into distinct patterns that can help us anticipate Russia's next moves under Vladimir Putin.